Feedback from a BU correspondent on the 2026 General Election campaign trail.

Last night I accompanied some US university students to BLP and DLP meetings, who are doing a research project. Observations from our parked vehicle were mind boggling and below.

Bajans lack critical analysis skills and are more about theatrics rather than substance based on the crowd reactions to promises by political parties. 

BLP seems extremely desperate to retain power based on the highly extravagant financial incentives offered to Barbados in a country solely dependent on tourism, low export regime in a country of high taxation, coupled with heavy borrowing. One student said some of the financial offerings defies logic and some of the offerings are also not original or unique.

DLP is trying to capture the voters imagination by offering reasonable and timid offers less attractive.

These students seemed more informed about Barbados politics than the average Bajan. Students were curious if the general population was not worried about chronic vote buying and voter apathy’s impact on Barbados future development.

Partisan politics has divided Barbados across party lines and the BLP supporters are extremely fanatically loyal without question, while the DLP are more laid back and aged.

The absence of guardrails was a shocking surprise for these research students. ” How do you monitor for transparency in project allocation, construction cost and general oversight.” Not my words, students found it unbelievable that no Freedom of Information Act or Integrity Legislation is in existence in Barbados.

Also noticeable was the disparity in paraphernalia spend with the BLP spend noticeably superior. Again, shock was expressed by the students on hearing no Campaign Financing Legislation exist.

The conclusion at the end of the night was that Prime Minister Mottley is a popular globalist. Well spoken but needs to put deeper thoughts into her decision making and promote better governance in Barbados. It appears she is neglecting to do what is right for the average citizen in Barbados if the outcry about health care and high food prices are considered.

Mr Thorne, well meaning, better as a political whip and lacks the charisma to be prime ministerial, but has done an excellent job in seeking answers from government.

David, students have promised to share their research with me after it’s published.